What Is Boxing Day, And Why Do Canadians Celebrate It?

You may have been celebrating Boxing Day for decades without actually knowing what it stands for.

Observed annually on December 26 in Canada, the U.K. and Commonwealth countries around the world, Boxing Day was traditionally the day employers would give their staff Christmas presents, called "boxes," to celebrate the season. But since the day after Christmas is now usually a statutory holiday, in our modern society, we now often give those boxes to ourselves.

Or at least that's one way of looking at this longtime tradition, which has been noted for centuries. There's no exact definition of Boxing Day, though some tie it to British servants who helped their lords and ladies with Christmas dinner and literally took home boxes (and got a day off) the next day. Samuel Pepys noted the existence of such boxes in his diary in 1663.

In Canada, as well as the U.K. and Australia, December 26 is now better known as a day for scooping up shopping deals, similar to Black Friday in the U.S. Most stores open their doors early and discount prices on items ranging from clothing to technology to appliances. In recent years, some shops have started their sales even before Christmas has begun, hoping for more spending from customers.

In other countries, December 26 has taken on a different name. In Germany, Poland, Scandinavia and the Netherlands, it's known as Second Christmas Day, simply extending the holiday for an extra day. In Ireland, they celebrate St. Stephen's Day, or the Day of the Wren, participating in parades in masks and suits.

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Boxing Day Sales 2013

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The Details: Dec. 24-26
What You Get: Take an extra 30 per cent off on all items and receive free shipping when you spend $50.

The Details: Dec. 24-26
What You Get: Take an extra 30 per cent off everything and save up to 50 per cent on selected items.

The Details: Dec. 25-26
What You Get: Up to 70 per cent off selected fashion items. Shipping online is $1 and discounted prices are included for shirts, dresses, skirts and sweaters.

The Details: Dec. 25
What You Get: A pre-boxing day sale, get up to 50 per cent off on winter fashions and 60 per cent off in stores.

The Details: Dec. 26
What You Get: All Adidas backstage members get access up to 50 per cent off on selected items.

The Details: Dec. 26-27
What You Get: Take 25 per cent off your entire purchase with this coupon from Bargain Moose.

The Details: Dec. 26
What You Get: Up to 70 per cent on selected items both in stores and online and free shipping when you spend $50.

The Details: Dec. 26 at 7 a.m.
What You Get: Get 40 to 60 per cent off on all fall and winter fashion, accessories and shoes. The first 100 people in store will also receive an exclusive beauty bag.

The Details: Dec. 26-31
What You Get: Highlights this year include tops from $3, skirts from $5, and sweaters and bottoms from $10 on Boxing Day. Other deals include a buy one get one 50 per cent off coupon on Dec. 30 and 31 on all party dresses and 50 per cent off all outerwear and boots online.

The Details: Dec 26
What You Get: Globo shoe store is offering 50 per cent off on selected sales items and some stores have extended hours.

The Details: Dec 26-Jan 2
What You Get: Sweatpants and crewnecks starting at $7. And of course huge door-crashers including electronics and DVDs.

The Details: Dec 26
What You Get: Up to 50 per cent off on all seasonal merchandise. Other sales include discounted perfumes, half of selected beauty products and discounted fragrance sets.

The Details: Dec 26-Jan 2
What You Get: Selected stores will open at 7 a.m. and include up to 70 per cent off on women's fashion, outwear, handbags, accessories, sleepwear and beauty products.

The Details: Dec 26-Jan 2
What You Get: Up to 70 per cent off on everything from electronics to apparel. Save up to 50 per cent on all outwear for the family and tops starting at $5.

The Details: Dec. 26-29
What You Get: Get up to 80 per cent off on red tagged items, 50 per cent of yellow and 40 per cent off white. The store is also offering 30 per cent off new arrivals.

The Details: Dec. 26- Jan 3
What You Get: Clearance prices on family apparel and accessories and customers can also save an additional 50 per cent off on already reduced prices if they use their Sears Financial Credit Cards. A full list of deals can be found in their online flyer.

The Details: Dec. 26-29
What You Get: Up to 70 per cent off in stores and online. Starting Dec. 26, the Canadian retailer will also be having daily $10 sales for sweaters, party dresses and puffer vests. The store also has a secret item for same on Dec. 29.

The Details: Dec 26-31
What You Get: From Dec. 26 and Dec. 27, shoppers can expect a buy one get one for a loonie deal and on Dec. 28 to Dec. 31, shoppers can expect up to 75 per cent off in the entire store.

The Details: Dec. 26-29
What You Get: This year, The Body Shop will be donating $1 from every purchase to charities that work towards ending violence against women in Canada. Sales this season include up to 50 per cent off seasonal products and discontinued products, the whole store will be offering buy two get two free, and all gift sets will be 30 per cent off.

The Details: Now-Dec 26
What You Get: Get 20 per cent off selected clearance items and up to 50 per cent on other selected items in-store and online.

The Details: Dec. 23-29
What You Get: Starting Monday, Dec., 23, shoppers can save up to 50 per cent off on electronics, toys, home and kitchen tools, watches, luggage, books and movies online.

The Details: Dec. 26 at 6 a.m.
What You Get: The first 100 customers to shop at its regular stores this Boxing Day at 6 a.m. will receive Mystery Gift Coupons containing up to 70 per cent rebates and up to $1,000 to spend on other items.

The Details: Dec. 26
What You Get: Canadian online retailer Shop.ca will be partnering up with 100s of brands this Boxing Day including sales in electronics, fashion items and jewelry. The site will also offer free shipping.

The Details: Dec. 26-29
What You Get: Nearly 500 participating sellers across the country will offer 20 per cent off their entire shop. Featured items include hand-made products like darling wooden mobiles for boys and girls from Toronto seller pilosale, hand printed women’s stockings from Vancouver's Strathcona Stockings, and organic fair trade chocolate that's to die for from Halifax-based COCOA and HONEY. Shop here.

The Details: December 26
What You get: On Boxing Day, Over the Rainbow will have up to 50% off all merchandise and 70% off additional items. The store will be open between 8AM and 7PM, giving shoppers an additional two hours to shop for deals on all designer jeans, coats and other winter accessories. Visit their website here.

The Details: Pre Boxing day sale starts on Dec. 18 to Dec. 24
What You Get: Starting Dec. 18, shoppers can expect 25 per cent off sleepwear, 30 per cent off men's knits and pullovers starting at $10.

The Details: Dec. 27-28
What You Get: One-of a-kind sample suits, jackets and shirts from the eponymous bespoke tailorshop's 2013 collections will be 50%-90% off. Items up for grabs include tweed blazers, winter overcoats, summer suits and cashmere and wool suits in a wide range of styles and sizes. Appointments recommended. Visit their site here.

The Details: Dec. 26
What You Get: Check out the sales at express.com/canada.

The Details: Dec. 23-31
What You Get: Starting Dec. 23, shoppers can take 15 per cent their orders online and receive free shipping.

The Details: Now
What You Get: Links to dozens of sales happening online.
Shop Online HERE

Because these babies are fairly expensive (and never seem to go on sale), we would definitely wait for hours in line surrounded by strangers.

We love the iconic stripes and while these coats never go out of style, they never go on sale either which is why we would definitely wait in the freezing cold to get our mitts on them.

Leather jackets are a dime a dozen but you won't find quality as you would at Danier. (We own a few and trust us, they're worth it.) So if we see a sale, we're there, no question.

These suckers are super handy and buttery soft so you better bet that we'll be standing in line come Boxing Day to grab one or two.

Admit it: If you knew Rolex was having a sale you would be down at the store in no time picking up a few for you and the family.

Whenever we're rolling in cash, we stop by Holts to splurge, so imagine how rich we would feel if they had a sale? We would practically be millionaires!

Hey, a girl can dream, right?

Coffee table books like this Alexander McQueen tome are expensive but necessary and fabulous. If they all went on sale we would live in houses made out of books.

They're timeless and always in style. We just wish they would go on sale!

If these pretty bracelets went on sale, we would pick up at least 10 for our family and close friends.

Not only do Canadians love the classic and trendy blazers but the Duchess of Cambridge herself can't get enough of the Canadian label.

There's nothing more exciting than seeing a blue box! We would totally wait for hours if one of the iconic Tiffany necklaces went on sale.

It's the crème de la crème of lotions but oh-so-expensive, so if there was a Boxing Day sale at Shoppers, we would be first in line to grab a bunch of these.

We love these stylish wellies which we would wear every day if we could.

Nothing says chic like a classic quilted Chanel purse, but since their prices are out of reach for most of us, we can only dream of owning one of these babies.

Silky soft, these handmade items are coveted by everyone, including yours truly. If they went on sale, we would buy them by the dozen.

Share your memories with your best friend by making a quilt that has photos of all your best times together.

You can literally put anything you want on this blank slate tee, whether it be an inside joke or a photo.

Take a knitting or sewing class or find the perfect pattern to make a cozy sweater for your loved one.

Pick up a blank frame and add stickers, photos, pieces of fabric and whatever else you choose to fill it up with fun memories.

If your friend is a bag lover, pick them up a simple black or white purse and customize it with fabric, sequins, prints and more.

Find a local beauty or craft store that teaches you how to make DIY soaps (or even just look it up online). Pick a scent that you think reflects your friend!

Visit your local art or craft store and pick out cool beads and charms to make a unique bracelet.

And of course, no jewelry-lover is complete without a place to keep all her baubles in! Check out a woodmaking class to fasten together a cute chest (even an egg carton can work!)

If a chest is too much work, go for a more simple jewelry holder. Get a picture frame and attach mesh wire and small door handles on it.

Get creative with a pin that reflects your friend's interests like this cute moustache brooch.

The trendy new kind of jewelry covers a lot of your body, such as this shoulder and chest necklace. Find chains and link them together in interesting ways to create an ethereal effect.

What woman doesn't love earrings? Visit your local craft store to find all the parts to put these baby together.

A necklace is simple but effective. You can mix it up with beads, precious stones, pearls and metals.

Everyone appreciates a warm and stylish beanie! Amp up your knitting and crochet skills to create this fabulous toque that will be worn for many years.

Not only will it keep you warm but your friend will officially have bragging rights.

For the comic book lover. Buy it here.

For the coffee drinker who doesn't want your average Starbucks mug. Buy it here.

For the environmentalist who wants to keep his tables clean. Buy it here.

For the guy who likes to use his hands. Buy it here.

For the guy who likes to travel in high style. Buy it here.

For the theatre-lover who enjoys dressing up. Buy them here.

For the spiritual guy. Buy it here.

For the guy who loves to accessorize. Buy it here.

For the guy who's into unique jewelry. Buy it here.

For the guy who likes wearing conversation starters. Buy it here.

For the guy who likes to be cozy and scare his dog. Buy it here.

For the guy who likes to look at his wallet as he spends all his money. Buy it here.

For the guy who likes his beard to stay healthy during the cold winter months. Buy it here.

For the guy who wants his beer in any way, shape or form. Buy it here.

For the guy who likes to keep Mother Earth just a bit more cleaner and who just likes to smell good. Buy it here.

For the guy who likes to make people laugh AND stay warm. Buy it here.

For your favourite "Star Wars" nerd. Buy it here.

For the guy who likes to keep the Earth clean. Buy it here.

For the guy who hates a mess. Buy them here.

For they guy who takes a smooth face seriously. Buy it here.

For the guy who takes sound seriously. Get them here.

These are perfect for someone who likes to be the centre of attention.
Shop here.

For the chic traveller or the guy who just wants to carry all his gear without sporting a huge suitcase. Get it at Standard Apparel.

For the guy who needs a bit of bling while he drinks his beer. Get it here.

For the guy who refuses to conform to Black Tie only. Get it here.

For the guy who loves his labels. Only 1973 pairs were created globally and only 34 of them are available in Canada. Get them here.

Keep your bf warm in this stylish jacket. Get it here.

For the guy who likes to dress formal with a twist. Get them here.

For the guy who takes being warm seriously (and who isn't afraid to show off his love for all things Canadiana). Get them here.

For the guy who likes to add a bit of colour to his belt. Get it here.

For the guy who loves his planet AND is obsessed with being on time. Get it here.

For the guy who likes to keep his money in good company. Get it here.

For the "Lord of the Rings" fan who likes to have a piece of their favourite movie with them at all times. Get it here.

For the guy who likes to travel in style. Get it here.

For the guy who likes to channel his inner Brit. Get them here.

For the guy who needs something to warm his hands when he can't hold yours. Get them here.

For the guy who likes to crash at your place all weekend. Get it here.

For the guy who's into the classics. Get it here.

Yes, scarves are a dime a dozen but a new breed is on the rise thanks to the likes of English dandy Benedict Cumberbatch: The trim, streamlined scarf. Take away the bulk and if you've got a great fashion accessory that works outdoors and indoors. Shop for scarves at Simons, Canada Goose and Club Monaco.

Nothing feels better than getting a cozy wool coat for Christmas, especially if it comes in a cool colour like Idris' teal version and with accents like his suede neckline. You can shop for coats at The Gap, Hudson's Bay and Zara.

Rather than wear the usual toque, your guy can be the centre of attention with an unexpected hat that looks totally natural indoors like Andre 3000's fedora. Shop for hats at menshats.com, Tilley and Big It Up.

For the guy who just wants to cut loose, a print top is the style staple to take an outfit from drab to fab. Shop for tops at Forever 21 and Simons.

Even if your pal has perfect vision, faux hipster glasses are a great conversation starter. Shop for glasses at sunglasswearhouse.com and Lenscrafters.

An all-tartan suit can be overpowering but if you pick a smaller piece, say a tie, pair of pants of blazer, it can liven up any dull winter outfit. Shop for tartan styles on Etsy.

If you're willing to splash out some dough, why not do it on a classic suit that's not black (for once)? Joshua's navy ensemble is timeless but still modern. Shop for suits on Le Chateau, Harry Rosen and Zara.

If your fashion-conscious pal is really on-trend this winter, best get them a sweater that has a mix of fabrics like this wool-and-leather version. You can shop for them at Zara, Hudson's Bay and EBay.

There's nothing that says "I love you" better than a classic blazer. Even better when it's embellished with studs or comes in a bright colour. Shop for blazers at Le Chateau, Zara, Sears and The Gap. Jared's blazer can be found here.

For the cool guy who likes to stay warm in the most bad-a** way possible. Shop for leather jackets at Danier, Roots and Hudson's Bay.

We know, we know; ties can be so boring but not if you find one that stands out (without a lot of colour). Liam's Alexander McQueen barb wire tie is fun and spunky and doesn't draw too much attention away from the rest of his outfit. Shop for fun ties at Le Chateau, the Tie Bar, Simons.

It can be really hard to find the perfect pair of jeans so why don't you do the dirty work for your fashion friend and get one for them? These days, slim is in style but make sure not to go too tight. Shop for jeans at GUESS, Hudson's Bay and Buffalo.

Mustache iPad Case, Marshalls, $14.99

New Smoothie Toque, Roots, $20

VATTNA Wall Clock, Ikea, $19.99

Kikkerland Survival Tool, Urban Outfitters, $6 (USD)

Nike Dura Feel Men's Golf Glove, Canadian Tire, $14.99

Magnetic Roll Up Dart Board, Overstock.com, $15.22

Disposable Flasks, Restoration Hardware, $15 (USD)

Festive Pup Boxers, Gap, $18

Tic Tac Toe 3D, Puzzle Master, $16.99

Ultimate Brushless Shave Cream - White Eagle, Kiehl's, $12.50

'An Astronaut's Guide to Life on Earth' by Chris Hadfield, Amazon.ca, $19